Great Waterways Blogs

Jill Budd

After 6 years aboard our Narrowboat Matilda Rose in the UK, we took the plunge and shipped her across to Europe. After 2 years in Europe we knew we didn't want to return to the UK so took the plunge and purchased a 1902 20 mtr Dutch Tjalk called Francoise and are now continuing our travels of the waterways of Europe in a buxom wench

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Lacroix to St Mihiel

Setting off first from Lacroix on Tuesday morning was Avalon – shock horror, the Avalon crew got their act together and left at 9.45 am!!!

Only 2 locks and 10k today so no rush and we left 30 minutes later. At the top of the 2nd lock G spoke to the student lockie and then shouted back to ask if I wanted a 50 cent baguette. I replied, ‘no thanks, I’ve baked one this morning’. It later transpired that it was a giant courgette on offer –really! Why would I have baked a courgette in the morning. We can’t communicate in English so there’s no hope for us in French.

When we reached St Mihiel Avalon was just mooring up and there was no more room at the inn so, rather than breast up (which is a pain with the dogs making each other bark), we went up through the next lock and found a lovely bank and plank mooring where Daisy has been stuffing her face with mice ever since. Not only do we have a nice country view, but we are being right royally entertained by an otter.

A short walk along the river through a park takes us into the old part of town which is charming. Just as well as we don’t want to continue much further South as we have to return to Verdun to collect cards and stuff for our new French account – hopefully Monday or Tuesday. I can keep myself happily entertained here for a few more days, especially as we have the car here for days out.

2 Responses to “Lacroix to St Mihiel”

Kevin TOOsaid

I can’t be expected to hear well with the engine under my feet – you’d think he’d twig when I said I’d baked one. Besides, what are the radios for if it’s not to communicate? Veg are quite expensive here; I could have done with that courgette xx